About the Tennessee Human Rights Commission
Celebrating 50 Years of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission
The Commission is an independent state agency responsible for enforcing the Tennessee Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act which prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status (housing only) and age (40 and over in employment). The Commission is also responsible for coordinating the State of Tennessee’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color and national origin by State agencies receiving federal financial assistance.
The Commission has cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agreements allow the federal and state agencies to coordinate their investigations and avoid duplication of efforts in seeking to end discrimination.
The Commission is governed by a 15 member board of Commissioners appointed by the Governor representing the three Grand Divisions of the State. A list of the Commission members may be found here.
Complaints must be filed with the Commission within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Complaint forms may be completed on this site for your convenience and downloaded. Either sign the declaration statement on the complaint form or have the complaint notarized by a notary public.
The rules and regulations of the Commission governing complaints and investigations may be found here.
The Commission's Bylaws govern the meetings of the Commission and its administration. A copy may be found here.
Our mission to safeguard individuals from discrimination through enforcement and education. This mission is accomplished through a staff of investigators, attorneys and other professional support personnel. A list of the Commission's management staff may be found here.
The Commission maintains its central office in Nashville and has regional offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis.
